WESTPORT — Robin Burns-Laubi has experienced firsthand the challenges faced by families whose children are diagnosed with cancer.

Her experiences compelled her to help other families and commemorate her son Devin's life by founding the Devin Laubi Foundation, which has been helping ease families' financial burdens for 10 years.

Burns-Laubi, a Westport resident, said that in 2003, her previously healthy six-year-old son was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He died on Easter of that year.

Even as she grieved, she knew she wanted to find a way to honor her son's legacy and help other families going through similar situations.

“We wanted to keep his memory alive,” she said. In July of 2004, she founded the organization that bears his name.

Burns-Laubi said her personal experience had made her aware of the financial toll a cancer diagnosis can take on a family. “You don't realize all of the financial ramifications that go along with it,” she said.

Even if a family has health insurance, there are often charges above and beyond what insurance covers, she said.

In addition, Burns-Laubi said parents often have to take time out of work to care for their child, making it difficult to keep up with mounting expenses.

She said that several families she had talked to were in danger of losing their homes.

The Foundation has helped 104 families throughout its decade-long history, not only assisting will bills but also sending personalized care packages for the children to enjoy.

“We try to give the parents some breathing room,” Burns-Laubi said.

In addition, the Foundation has begun to offer a parent support program through its website mydevin.org.

The support program allows parents to communicate with and receive advice from others who have been in the same situation.

“You know you're talking to someone who's been through the same thing,” Burns-Laubi said.

She said the organization holds several fundraisers a year, including an upcoming bike ride. According to the website, this year's ride, the 10th annual, is Sept. 14, with check-in starting at 8:30 a.m. at the Buzzards Bay Brewery. Visit the foundation website for registration information.

In addition to its fundraising events, the foundation has received grassroots support from organizations such as the Westport Babe Ruth League and members of the community. Burns-Laubi made specific mention of a 12-year-old who had raised $3,600 in donations.

The strong community support has inspired her to continue the Foundation's mission, she said. “People believe in us,” she said. “We gotta keep going.”

Burns-Laubi also had a message for all parents: to cherish every moment with their child they are given.

“Spend as much time as you possibly can with your children,” she said.

For donations or more information, visit mydevin.org; email Burns-Laubi at info@mydevin.org; the Foundation also has a Facebook page.